Chapter 23, Problem 23.84EP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the final product in the electron transport chain.

Concept introduction: Electron transport chain is a sequence of biochemical reactions in which electrons and hydrogen atoms from NADH and FADH₂ are transferred to various intermediate carriers and finally reacts with molecular oxygen $\left({\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\right)$. The reaction of oxidation of NADH and FADH₂ is:

$\begin{array}{c}\text{NADH}+{\text{H}}^{+}\to {\text{NAD}}^{+}+2{\text{H}}^{+}+2{\text{e}}^{-}\\ {\text{FADH}}_2\to \text{FAD}+2{\text{H}}^{+}+2{\text{e}}^{-}\end{array}$

Energy is lost during the transfer of the electrons from one intermediate carrier to another intermediate carrier and that energy is used for the preparation of ATP from ADP (oxidative phosphorylation).